Trek Fuel+ EX 9.8 XT Di2 Gen 2: The E-Bike That Hides in Plain Sight

Jennifer Miller · 2026-09-08

The Trek Fuel+ EX 9.8 XT Di2 Gen 2 is a wolf in sheep's clothing. At first glance, you'd swear it's a regular trail bike. But hidden inside is a TQ HPR60 motor and a 580 Wh battery. It's so stealthy that even seasoned riders might do a double-take. Trek entered this year's trail group test with two bikes: the analogue Fuel EX and this electric Fuel+ EX. The only giveaway is the compact motor tucked discreetly into the frame. But that's the whole point. Trek didn't want to build a bulky eMTB that screams "electric." They wanted a bike that feels natural, like a traditional trail bike, just with a little extra oomph. So, how does it stack up against 11 strong rivals? Let's dig in. ### First Impressions: Sleek and Stealthy The Fuel+ EX is all about integration. The TQ HPR60 motor is barely noticeable, and the top tube display is subtle. You won't find a massive battery pack or clunky controls here. It's clean, refined, and looks like a regular mountain bike. But don't let the sleek looks fool you. With 150mm front and 145mm rear travel, FOX Factory suspension, and a 580 Wh battery, this bike is ready for long days on the trail. It's built for riders who want a natural ride feel without sacrificing power. ### Weight and Price: The Trade-Offs At 45.4 pounds (size L), the Fuel+ EX is one of the heaviest bikes in the test field. But it's still about 2.2 pounds lighter than its direct eMTB rivals. The price is $9,899 (converted from €8,999). That's only about $550 more than the top-spec analogue model. So, you're paying a small premium for electric assist. Is it worth it? That depends on what you're after. ### Modular Design: One Bike, Many Personalities Trek's modular approach is a big plus. Just like the analogue Fuel EX, the Fuel+ EX can be converted into a more capable bike with a different rocker link, suspension setup, and wheel size. The platform is available in three versions: Fuel+ EX, Fuel+ MX, and Fuel+ LX. So you can tweak it to suit your riding style. ### Highs and Lows **What we love:** - Sleek motor integration with a discreet top tube display - Rear suspension progression adjustable via the progression chip - Useful details like the brake rotor guard and high-quality charging port - Modular platform for customization **What could be better:** - Rear tire can rub against the seatstays under heavy compressions - Flap between the main frame and rear triangle came loose ### Key Facts - Full-carbon frame - 150/145 mm travel (front/rear) - 45.4 pounds in size L - 29-inch wheels - Five sizes: S to XXL ### The Verdict: Who Is This Bike For? The Trek Fuel+ EX 9.8 XT Di2 Gen 2 is for riders who want a natural ride feel with a boost. It's not for those who want raw power and a bulky build. It's for someone who appreciates subtlety and wants a bike that feels like a traditional trail bike but with a secret weapon. If you're looking for a bike that can handle long climbs and technical descents without feeling like you're riding a tank, this could be your match. But if you're after maximum power and don't mind the extra weight, you might want to look elsewhere. In the end, the Fuel+ EX is a niche bike. It's not trying to be everything to everyone. It's trying to be the best trail bike for riders who want a little help but don't want to sacrifice the feel of a regular mountain bike. And in that, it succeeds.